System for tracking a presumed target using network-connected lead and follower scopes, and scope for configured for use in the system

ABSTRACT

A network of scopes, including one or more lead scopes and one or more follower scopes, is provided to allow scope operators of the respective scopes to track the same presumed target. A lead scope locates a target and communicates target position data of the presumed target to the follower scope. The follower scope uses the target position data and its own position data to electronically generate indicators for use to prompt the operator of the follower scope to make position movements so as to re-position the follower scope from its current target position to move towards the target position defined by the target position data received from the lead scope.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/390,330 filed Apr. 22, 2019, which in turn, is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/057,247 filed Aug.7, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,267,598, both of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No.62/544,124, filed Aug. 11, 2017, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A sight or optical viewer which incorporate lenses to magnify an imageor simply passes through light without magnification, also referred toas a “scope,” is a sighting device that is based on an opticalrefracting telescope or other optical viewing device. It includes someform of graphic image pattern (a reticle or cross-hairs) mounted in anoptically appropriate position in its optical system to give an accurateaiming point. Telescopic sights are used with all types of systems thatrequire accurate aiming but are most commonly found on firearms,particularly rifles. A telescopic sight may include an integratedrangefinder (typically, a laser rangefinder) that measures distance fromthe observer's sighting device to a target.

A compass is an instrument used for navigation and orientation thatshows direction relative to the geographic “cardinal directions,”, or“points.”. A “compass rose” diagram shows the directions north, south,east, and west as abbreviated initials marked on the compass. When thecompass is used, the rose can be aligned with the correspondinggeographic directions, so, for example, the “N” mark on the rose reallypoints to the north. In addition to the rose or sometimes instead of it,angle markings in degrees may be shown on the compass. North correspondsto zero degrees, and the angles increase clockwise, so east is 90degrees, south is 180, and west is 270. These numbers allow the compassto show azimuths or bearings, which are commonly stated in thisnotation.

GPS data typically provides a three-dimensional location (latitude,longitude, and altitude (elevation)). For example, a sample GPS of alocation in Philadelphia is as follows:

Latitude: 39.90130859

Longitude: −75.15197754

Altitude (elevation) relative to sea level: 5 m

Miniaturized GPS devices are known that include a GPS receiver forproviding GPS location data and an orientation sensor for providingattitude data. The orientation sensor may derive its data from anaccelerometer and a geomagnetic field sensor, or another combination ofsensors. One such miniaturized GPS device that is suitable for use inthe present invention is a device that is commercially available fromInertial Sense, LLC located in Salem, Utah. This device is marketed as“μINS” and “μINS-2.” (“INS” is an industry abbreviation for “InertialNavigation System.”) The μINS” and μINS-2 are GPS-aided InertialNavigation Systems (GPS/INS). A GPS/INS uses GPS satellite signals tocorrect or calibrate a solution from an inertial navigation system(INS).

Another known miniature GPS/INS that is suitable for use in the presentinvention is a device that is commercially available from VectorNavTechnologies, LLC located in Dallas, Tex. This device is marketed as“VN-300” and is a dual-antenna GPS/INS. The dual-antenna feature in theVN-300 allows it to provide accurate compass data.

Network technology is well known in the art. Each device in a network isoften referred to as a node and nodes can be formed into a network usinga variety of network topologies including hub and spoke and mesh. In acellular based communication system, nodes communicate through one ormore base stations which in turn are directly or indirectly connected toa mobile switching center (MSC). MSCs are interconnected based onindustry standards which enable nodes in a cellular network tocommunicate with other nodes that are connected to different basedstations. There are numerous cellular standards such as GSM, LTE andCDMA and a common feature in cellular networks is the capability ofallowing nodes to connect to the Internet.

Broadband satellite communication systems use one or more communicationsatellites organized into a constellation. There are numerouscommercially available satellite systems including systems operated byGlobalstar, Iridium and Inmarsat. Like cellular, broadband satellitecommunication systems allow nodes to connect to the Internet. Incellular terms, each satellite in the constellation acts as a basestation and nodes in the system connect to a satellite that is in range.One advantage of satellite systems is that coverage is sometimes betterin remote areas.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology allows nodes to establisha network. Common WLAN standards including 802.11a, b, g and n. 802.11sis a WIFI based mesh networking standard. Bluetooth® is another standardfor connecting nodes in a network and mesh networking capability hasrecently been added to the Bluetooth LE standard by the BluetoothSpecial Interest Group. Accordingly, through various standards, it ispossible to implement point to point, point to multipoint and mesh WLAN,all of which are suitable for use with the present invention.

Mesh network topology has significant advantages for mobile devices,particularly in remote areas where there is limited cellular servicesince each node can be connected to multiple other nodes and there is norequired path from any node in the network to any other node. A furtheradvantage of a mesh network is that as long as any one node in the meshnetwork has access to the Internet such as by way of a cellular orsatellite connection, all of the nodes in the mesh network have access.

A representative wireless mesh networking chipset that is suitable foruse with the present invention is the RC17xx(HP)™ (Tinymesh™ RFTransceiver Module), which is commercially available from Radiocrafts ASand Tinymesh, both located in Norway. The chipset incorporates theTinymesh application for the creation of mesh networks. The ideal meshnetwork chipset for the present invention is small, and has high powerand a long range, and should operate in unlicensed spectrum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A network of scopes, including one or more lead scopes and one or morefollower scopes, is provided to allow scope operators of the respectivescopes to track the same presumed target. A lead scope locates a targetand communicates target position data of the presumed target to thefollower scope. The follower scope uses the target position data and itsown position data to electronically generate indicators for use toprompt the operator of the follower scope to make position movements soas to re-position the follower scope from its current target position tomove towards the target position defined by the target position datareceived from the lead scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, the drawings show presently preferredembodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of system components inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-4C are optical sights in accordance with preferred embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a sample preset list that may be displayed on a display ofscope in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6-8 show flowcharts in accordance with preferred embodiments ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to betaken as a limitation on the present invention.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for deviceshaving network-connected scopes which are designed to hone in on thesame target, which may be a still or moving target. In a firstembodiment involving two scopes, a “lead scope” identifies a target andcommunicates location data regarding the target to a “follower scope”which uses the location data from the lead scope and its own locationand orientation data to hone in the target. In the two scopeconfiguration, the lead scope and the follower scope communicate throughany available wireless data communication technology including cellular,satellite or one or more WLAN technologies.

In a second embodiment involving a plurality of scopes, a first scopeidentifies a target and communicates location data regarding the targetto a plurality of other scopes which use the location data from thefirst scope and their respective location and orientation data to honein on the target. In this embodiment, as additional scopes locate thetarget, they communicate their location data regarding the target to anetwork server which amalgamates location data that is accumulated fromeach scope that identified the target to define successively moreprecise location data of the target (i.e., more data points increase theprecision of the location), which is then communicated to the scopesthat have not yet located the target. The scopes that have previouslyreported the location of the target may also receive the latest locationdata of the target to assist in tracking the target. The scopes in thisembodiment can be connected using any available WLAN technology but inthe preferred embodiment, a mesh networking technology is used to enablethe plurality of scopes to communicate with each other. It is understoodthat any one of the scopes can perform the functions of the networkserver or the functions of the network server can be distributed amongthe plurality of scopes for redundancy in case one of the scopes losesconnectivity to the WLAN. Ideally, at least one of the scopes isconnected to the Internet and the other scopes in the network are thusable to access the Internet through the connected scope by way of themesh network.

Since the target may be a moving object, the location data of the targetfor the scopes that have identified the target is continuously streamedto the scopes that have not yet located the target. Alternatively, thelocation of the target is only sent when the lead scope activates aswitch that designates the target. In a more advance version of thesystem, when the target is moving, the scope and/or the network serverwill predict the future location of the target assuming continuedmovement in the same direction using known techniques.

I. DEFINITIONS

The following definitions are provided to promote understanding of thepresent invention.

device—The device is the object that a scope is integrated into.Examples of such devices include a rifle, gun, binoculars, smarteyeglasses or goggles, helmet visor and a drone. Certain types ofdevices are themselves “scopes,” such as binoculars, telescopes andspotting scopes. The device may be handheld or may be mounted on a land,aerial or water based vehicle.

target—The target is the object of interest. It may be a person, animalor object, and may either be stationary or moving.

lead scope—The lead scope is the first scope that identifies a target.In the first embodiment, there is only one lead scope. In the secondembodiment, the lead scope is only the first scope that located thetarget. Subsequent scopes that identify the target are simply referredto herein as “scopes.” In one preferred embodiment, any scope in thenetwork can function as a lead scope.

follower scope—The follower scope is a scope that attempts to hone in onthe same target that the lead scope identified. In the first embodiment,there may be one or more follower scopes. In the second embodiment, thefollower scopes include all of the scopes that have not yet honed in onthe target that the previous set of scopes (including the lead scope)has identified. In one preferred embodiment, any scope in the networkcan function as a follower scope.

II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description below presumes that each of the device's scopes havesimilar functionality and can function as either a lead or followerscope. However, in an alternative embodiment, certain scopes may bededicated to a lead or follower role, and certain scopes may have moreor less functionality than other scopes.

A device having a scope includes each of the following measurementdevices (or their equivalents):

1. GPS/INS device (provides location data of the device) (could beimplemented as two or more distinct devices such as a GPS receiver,gyroscope and accelerometer)

2. rangefinder (provides the distance from the device's scope to thetarget). In the preferred embodiments, laser technology is used by therangefinder to detect range but other technologies such as opticaldistance measurement could also be used. One example of an opticaldistance measurement system uses a series of lenses and mirrors toproduce a double image and a dial or other controller with distanceindicia is adjusted to bring the two images into alignment.

3. compass (provides the direction of the target relative to theposition of the scope (north, south, east, and west)). The compass maybe a standalone device, or may be incorporated into the GPS/INS anddetermine direction using GPS compassing. GPS compasses often have twoantennas and if the device is a pair of binoculars, one option would beto place an antenna on each barrel. Accuracy can be increased byincreasing the separation of the antennas used by the GPS compass suchas through the use of one or more fold-out arms, booms, lighter than airballoons or other mechanical means to obtain separation, or byconnecting a second antenna through an RF or optical connection.

4. orientation sensor (provides attitude data, namely, the pointingangle of the device relative to a fixed level plane (e.g., zero degreesif pointing straight ahead, 30 degrees up if pointing at a bird or planein the sky or −10 degrees if pointed down into a valley)

5. elevation sensor (optional) (provides absolute elevation above sealevel or other reference point). This would typically be a barometricsensor that would supplement the accuracy of the elevation determined bythe GPS/INS which, in some cases is not particularly accurate.Alternatively, an ultrasonic or other proximity sensor may be used todetermine the distance to the ground if the GPS/INS either incorporatesor has access to a topographic map though a network connected scope. Forexample, if the GPS position corresponded to a position on a topographicmap that is 500 feet above sea level and the proximity sensor determinesthat the distance from the scope to the ground is 5 feet, an accurateelevation of 505 feet would be known by the scope.

Data from these measurement devices are used to calculate the positionof the target, which may be expressed in GPS coordinates or the like.

As discussed in detail below, for each above identified measurementdevices, there are varying degrees of accuracy and an anticipated errorrange. As the technology associated with the measurement devicesimproves, it will be possible to improve the operation of the scope andprovide a more accurate prediction of the target location by using moreaccurate measurement devices.

A. EXAMPLE STEPS FOR FIRST EMBODIMENT

1. The operator of a device that contains the lead scope identifies apresumed target.

2. The operator of the device either centers a cross-hair or othertarget indicia to the center of the target or using a pointing devicesuch as a touchpad or eye tracking sensor, causes a cross-hair to moveto the center of the target.

3. The operator optionally presses a button to cause the target to bedesignated.

4. If not operating in a continuous manner based on the position of thecross-hairs, the rangefinder is activated and the data from themeasurement devices is stored in memory.

5. The lead scope calculates a local AER (azimuth, elevation, range)position of the target based on the stored directional and rangemeasurement data. A calculation is then made using the stored positionalmeasurement data to convert the local AER position to a global position.In the preferred embodiment, the global position is designated as GPScoordinates. In some cases, an accuracy or estimated error associatedwith the target position is also determined by the lead scope. Analternative implementation which obtains the same result involves thewireless transmission of the stored measurement data, as opposed to theposition data to the follower scope or other device connected to thenetwork such as a network server. In this alternative embodiment, thefollower scope or network server calculates the target position and, insome cases, the estimated error or accuracy, from the measurement data.Either the determined position data and error or accuracy data (ifcollected or determined) or the measurement data is transmitted to thefollower scope. Through the above operations, either one or morefollower scopes will wirelessly receive the position data or calculateit from the received measurement data transmitted by the lead scope.

6. If the system includes a network server and the network serverreceives the raw data from the measurement devices transmitted by thelead scope, it calculates the target position and stores the data. Ifthe network server receives the calculated target position, it storesthis data and forwards it to other scopes. It is understood that thesystem can be operated without a network server and that the featuresdescribed as being performed by the network server could be performed byany scope or device in the network or by a remote network server towhich the scopes are connected via the Internet.

7. A follower scope on another device wirelessly receives either fromthe lead scope or from the network server the target position calculatedby the lead scope.

8. The device containing the follower scope also includes the same setof measurement devices (or their equivalents). The follower scope usesits own location data and the target position to calculate the bearingand attitude where the follower scope should aim so as to be pointing atthe same target position as the lead scope. As an alternative, thefollower scope could include a reduced set of measurement devices andoperate with reduced functionality. For example, if the rangefinder wasnot included in the follower scope, it would have limited functionalityas a lead scope.

9. Visual (guiding) indicators are displayed on the device of thefollower scope to direct (guide) the operator of the follower scope asto where the scope should be moved to so as to lock in on the targetposition. For example, an eyepiece of the follower scope may include thevisual indicators. Alternatively, a device or scope-mounted display mayprovide the visual indicators. The visual indicators may be directionalarrows, LED lights, text messages (e.g., move left, move up), or thelike. Audio indicators may be used as well.

10. If the lead scope moves its physical position or its aiming positionand indicates that the target has been re-located, the calculations areautomatically rerun and sent to the follower scope so that the followerscope can continue to search for the target. Likewise, if the followerscope moves from its initial position, the calculations at the followerscope of the vector to the target must be redone, even if no changes aremade to the physical position or aiming position of the lead scope so asto update the guiding indicators display within the follower scope.

In an alternative embodiment, only the raw measurement data from thelead scope is passed along to the network server or other scope and eachfollower scope uses the raw measurement data from the lead scope tocalculate the target position of the lead scope. That is, if thefollower scope receives the raw measurement data, it must perform thetarget position calculation of the lead scope before it can determinethe relative position of its own device to the target.

Additional options include the ability of the lead scope to capture adigital image of the target using a digital image sensor incorporatedinto or attached onto the scope and transmit the digital image to thefollower scope so that the operator of the follower scope would knowwhat it is looking for. A further option would be for the follower scopeto signal back to the lead scope that it sees the target and to transmita digital image of its view of the target. Capturing a digital image ofthe target could have unique applications in military and lawenforcement. For example, if at least one of the scopes is connected tothe Internet and the digital image is a human face, the digital imagecould be transmitted through the Internet to a database that wouldattempt to match the face using facial recognition. If a match isidentified, additional information about the target could be provided toeach of the scopes. As an alternative to conventional face recognition,other biometric measures can be captured and transmitted such as gaitand facial blood vessel patterns which when used with a thermal imagercan form a digital fingerprint of a human face.

In the above description, it is assumed that a conventional opticalsystem is used to capture the image. However, alternatives such a nightvision and forward looking infrared could also be used.

B. EXAMPLE STEPS FOR SECOND EMBODIMENT

The steps of the second embodiment are similar to the first embodiment,except that a network server (which as noted above could be one or moreof the scopes in the network) performs additional calculations asdescribed above to amalgamate the estimated location data that isaccumulated from each scope that identified the target to definesuccessively more precise location data of the target (i.e., more datapoints increase the precision of the location), which is thencommunicated to the scopes that have not yet located the target.Additionally, the network server can store multiple targets (such asfrom multiple lead scopes) and communicate those to each follower scopein the network.

C. EXAMPLES OF USES FOR THE NETWORK-CONNECTED SCOPES

Connected rifle scopes: two hunters are hunting. One hunter spots a preyand signals to the other hunter to lock in their scope on the same prey.If the scopes are equipped with image capture and display devices, theimage of the prey could be sent from the first hunter to the secondhunter and the second hunter could signal the first hunter using theconnected scope that it has seen the target and potentially transmit theimage that it has seen back to the first hunter. If the first hunter haslost the target, the second hunter would then become the lead scope andtransmit the position of the target (or raw measurement data) back tothe first hunter who would attempt to reacquire the target.

Connected binoculars: two birdwatchers are birding. One birdwatcherspots a bird and signals to the other birdwatcher to lock in theirbinoculars on the bird.

Connected drones and rifle scopes: A drone operated by a law enforcementagency identifies the position of a suspected shooter in a field. Policearmed with connected rifle scopes are directed to the suspected shooterposition data as initially determined by the drone and as furtherrefined by subsequent position data collected from police whosubsequently identify the shooter in their connected rifle scopes.

D. SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

FIG. 1A shows a system view wherein a plurality of devices 10(device₁-device_(n)) and non-device/non-scope nodes 12 (node₁-node_(n))are in communication with a network server 16 via wireless communicationand an electronic network 18. The electronic network 18 is representedby the solid lines connecting the devices 10 to the network server 16.The electronic network 18 may be implemented via any suitable type ofwireless electronic network (e.g., local area network, wide area network(the Internet)). The functions of the one or more non-device/non-scopenodes 12 ((node₁-node_(n)) are described below. In FIG. 1A, at least thenetwork server 16 is connected to the Internet 20.

FIG. 1B shows the topology of a mesh network 22 that is suitable for usein preferred embodiments of the present invention. Preferably, theplurality of devices 10 and the network server 16 are nodes 24 in themesh network 22, and thus these elements are labeled as nodes 24 in FIG.1A. In this manner, each of the nodes 24 are capable of being incommunication with each other via the mesh network 22. In thisconfiguration, either the network server 16 becomes another node 24 inthe mesh network 22, or there is no network server 16, or one or more ofthe device scopes perform functions herein described as being performedby the network server 16. In FIG. 1B, at least one of the nodes 24 isconnected to the Internet 20. Additionally, there may be one or morenodes 26 that are outside of the mesh network 22, but which cancommunicate with nodes 24 in the mesh network 22 via the Internet 20.

The scope of the present invention includes other types of networktopologies and is not limited to a hub and spoke network architecturewith a server at the hub. The devices/nodes may be directly connected toeach other wirelessly (e.g. by way of a point to point connection whichcould also be an ad-hoc network). Each device/node may have a cellularor satellite connection and connect with each other through the cloud(i.e., the Internet). Each device/node may connect with each otherthrough a wireless router that may be land-based or aerial such as in atethered hot air balloon or drone programmed to stay in a fixed aeriallocation.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, devices/nodes may connect to thenetwork in different fashions. For example, in a six node network, fiveof the nodes could be in range of the mesh network 22. However, thesixth node could be out of range and connected to the network by acellular or network signal via the Internet 20.

FIG. 2 shows elements of a sample device 10, which may include (or maybe) either a lead scope or a follower scope. The device 10 includes aprocessor 30 connected to at least the following elements:

1. GPS/INS 32

2. compass 34 (which can be either standalone or integrated into theGPS/INS)

3. rangefinder 36

4. orientation sensor 38 (attitude)

5. elevation sensor 40 for improved accuracy (optional)

6. scope 42 (the structure of the scope will depend upon the type ofdevice)

7. audiovisual display device 44 (which can be either standalone orintegrated into the scope)

8. network interface 46 in communication with a wired or wirelesscommunication transceiver 48

9. memory 50

The audiovisual display device 44 is the element that providesprompts/messages and indicators to the user. In follower scopes,information provided by the audiovisual display device 44 assists theuser in honing in on the target. Depending upon the type of device 10and the environment that the device 10 is used in, there may be onlyvideo, only audio, or both audio and video provided by the audiovisualdisplay device 44.

FIG. 3 shows elements of the network server 16, including a processor52, memory 54, image and analysis and manipulation software (IAMS) 56which can implemented using artificial intelligence software, and anetwork interface 58 in communication with a wired or wirelesscommunication transceiver 60.

The processor functions of the individual devices 10 and the networkserver 16 depend upon the system architecture and the distribution ofcomputing functions. As described herein, some of these functions can beperformed at either processor 30 or 52, whereas other functions may beperformed by the network server's processor 52.

FIGS. 4A-4C each show an optical sight (scope) for a rifle having anintegrated audiovisual display device. In FIG. 4A, the display device islocated at the zero degree position and presently reads “MOVE LEFT.” InFIG. 4B, the display device has four separate areas, at zero, 90, 180and 270 degrees. The display device in FIG. 4B is currently indicatingto move left (left arrow at 270 degrees is on indicated by a solid line,whereas the other three arrows for up, right and down, are off, asindicated by dashed lines). FIG. 4C is similar to FIG. 4A, except thatit includes an additional display element that shows the image that theuser should be trying to locate. The direction prompts in these figuresindicates that this rifle is presently functioning as a following scope.

III. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

A. Target Position Weighting

When calculating a presumed target position from GPS data and the othermeasurement devices, there are known, quantifiable errors introduced bythe lead scope and follower scope(s), which can be represented bydiscrete values (e.g., +/−20 cm). Certain types of errors will beconsistent from scope to scope based on inherent limitations of themeasurement devices. Other types of errors may depend upon signalstrength, such as the strength of a GPS signal or number of satellitesused to calculate the position of the lead scope. For each calculatedtarget position, the lead scope, follower scope and/or network serveridentifies the error value. When amalgamating and accumulating targetpositions from multiple scopes to calculate an updated target position,the error values may be used to weight the strength given to each targetposition.

Various algorithms may be used to process the target positions. Forexample, target positions with the lowest error values may be morehighly weighted. Alternatively, a target position with a very high errorvalues compared to other target position error values may be deletedfrom the calculation. One way to use the additional data to moreaccurately predict the position of the target would be to place pointsrepresenting each estimated target position on a 3-dimensional grid andestimate the center point or average location of the data representingthe estimated targets. The center point can be adjusted based onweighting as discussed above.

In addition to using error values for target position weighting, atemporal factor may be used. For example, the most recently observedtarget positions may be given greater weighting. Certain targetpositions may be eliminated entirely from the weighting after apredetermined period of time has passed from the observation time.

The temporal factor may also be affected by the nature of the target forembodiments where the type of target is determined (e.g., car, person,deer) by the IAMS and/or by the scope. The temporal factor is likely tobe more important for fast-moving targets compared to slow-movingtargets. Thus, for a fast moving target (e.g., a car), the most recentlyobserved target positions may be given significantly greater weighting,and older target positions would likely be eliminated more quickly fromthe weighting compared to slower moving targets.

Since a normally fast moving target might not actually be moving (e.g.,a stationary car), and a normally slow moving target may actually bemoving fast (e.g., a running person or deer), the IAMS may also usevarious algorithms to determine if the target is actually moving, and ifso, at what speed. This calculation may then be used for the temporalfactor. For example, if a target appears to be stationary, then notemporal factor will be applied to the weightings. The algorithm maylook at multiple observed target positions and if they are relativelysimilar after factoring in their respective error values, and wereobserved at significantly different time intervals (i.e., not very closein time), it can be concluded that the target is stationary. Conversely,if multiple observed target positions are significantly different afterfactoring in their respective error values, and were observed very closein time, it can be concluded that the target is moving, and the temporalfactor should be used in the weighting.

B. Error Indicator

In one preferred embodiment, the visual indicator visually communicatesthe error information in a form that is useful to the device operator.For example, if the presumed target position is represented by a dot ona display screen of the device, an error box may by overlaid around thedot so that the operator of the device knows that the target may be inany of the areas within the error box, and is not necessarily exactlywhere the dot is showing. In the second embodiment, the error boxpresumably becomes smaller as more target positions are identified by asuccession of follower scopes.

The exact manner in which the error information is communicated dependsupon how the presumed target position is displayed on a follower device.

Advances in measurement sensors, particularly GPS technology, willimprove accuracy and reduce errors. At some point, the errors may besufficiently small that an error indicator would not enhance the userexperience.

C. Image Display and Simulation

In one embodiment, the target is represented by a one-dimensional objecton a display screen, such as a dot. In an alternative embodiment, thetarget is represented by a simulated two-dimensional orthree-dimensional image on the display screen. If a digital image iscaptured and transmitted, the actual image of the target may bedisplayed on the screen. Using image analysis and manipulation software(IAMS) which could be implemented using artificial intelligence (AI)techniques such as a neural network, the simulation process allows forthe target to be rotated so that it appears properly positioned withrespect to the follower scope. Consider the following example:

1. A lead scope identifies a deer (target) that is a quarter-mile awayand is facing the device head-on.

2. The target position of the deer and a physical image of the deer iscaptured by the scope and communicated to the network server.

3. The IAMS in the network server or remotely accessed via the Internetidentifies key visual features within the image and compares thesefeatures with known objects to categorize the target as a front view ofthe deer and retrieves a simulated image of a deer from its database.

4. A follower scope receives target position data regarding the deer andit is determined that the follower scope is also about a quarter-milefrom the deer, but is 90 degrees off compared to the lead scope. TheIAMS can then rotate the simulated deer by 90 degrees and communicate aside view of the deer for display on the follower scope so that thefollower scope knows what the deer is likely to look like.

5. After physical image data is captured from a plurality of scopes, theIAMS can build a 3-D image of the target, thereby enabling a morerealistic view of the target to be displayed on the follower scopes thatare still looking for the target. The IAMS must know the positions ofboth the lead scope and the follower scope to perform the renderingsince both positions are necessary to know how to rotate the 3-D imageof the target. If actual images are captured, one option would be forthe IAMS to combine the actual image data rather than simulate theimage.

6. In law enforcement applications, the IAMS could attempt to match thetarget image to a person using facial recognition or other biometrictechniques. If there is a match, information about the target could bereturned to the scopes.

7. A further application of an image display system incorporated intothe scopes would be the ability of the follower scope to retrieve ahigh-resolution aerial image or topographical map and display the aerialimage or map on the display of the follower scope together with someindicia of the approximate location of the target. If error informationis known, a box can be displayed on the aerial image or topographicalmap showing the area in which the target may be located. By combiningthe features of directing the scope to the target, providing an image ofthe target as seen by the lead scope and providing an aerial view ortopographical map including the approximate position of the targettogether with an error box, the process of finding a target is greatlyaccelerated.

In a third embodiment, the target is represented by a bounding box orhighlighted image segment on the display when present in the scope'sfield-of-view. If a digital image of the target is captured, the IAMSmay be used to identify key visual features within the image that allowsrecognition of the target object in future collected images. When thefield-of-view of the follower scope nears the target, the digital imagebuffer of the follower scope field-of-view is processed by the IAMS todetermine if there is a pattern match between the key visual features ofthe target identified previously and features within the currentfield-of-view. Upon finding the target image features, the target isvisually indicated. If the follower scope has an optical display, oneembodiment includes a transparent display overlay that is activated tohighlight a target in a particular color or draw a box around thetarget. If the follower scope has a visual display, the matched targetis designated as described above. Consider the following example:

1. A lead scope identifies a deer (target) that is a quarter-mile awayand is facing the device head-on.

2. The target position of the deer and a physical image of the deer iscaptured by the scope and communicated to the network server.

3. The IAMS in the network server or remotely accessed via the Internetuses computer vision techniques to segment the image, separating thetarget from the background image.

4. The IAMS generates a set of key identifiable features within theimage segment, such as the points on the deer's antlers and a whitepatch on its side.

5. A follower scope receives target position data regarding the deer andit is determined that the follower scope is also about a quarter-milefrom the deer, but is 45 degrees off compared to the lead scope. TheIAMS can then rotate the visual feature-set corresponding to the targetby 45 degrees so that it knows what the features should appear as in thefollower scope's field-of-view.

6. The follower scope aims in the general direction of the target,guided by the instructions regarding the target's location. Images ofthe current field-of-view of the follower scope are sent to the IAMS asthe follower scope moves for processing.

7. The IAMS performs pattern matching on the incoming follower scopeimages, comparing key features within the image with the targetfeature-set generated from the target scope and adjusted for thefollower scope's viewing angle. If a pattern match occurs, the locationof the target, within the follower scope field-of-view, is transmittedto the follower scope.

8. The follower scope presents a bounding-box overlay highlighting thelocation of the target within the display.

9. After physical image data is captured from a plurality of scopes, theIAMS can build a larger set of key identifying features from multipleangles.

D. Target Position Calculations

Calculation of a target position from the measurement data may beperformed by any one of known techniques which rely upon GPS data. U.S.Pat. No. 5,568,152 (Janky et al.), which is incorporated herein byreference, discloses a methodology for determining the location of atarget by an observer who is spaced apart from the target and who isviewing the target through a viewer/rangefinder. U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,089(Ruszkowski, Jr.), which is also incorporated herein by reference,discloses a similar methodology. Any such methodologies may be used tocalculate the target position.

To calculate the position of a follower scope relative to the target,one must effectively perform the reverse of the calculations of the leadscope. The follower scope knows its GPS coordinates and it has receivedthe approximate GPS coordinates of the target from the lead scope ornetwork server (or calculated the target position based on directly orindirectly wirelessly receiving the raw measurement data from the leadscope. With this information, the follower scope (or the network serveror another node in the network) calculates a route between the two GPScoordinates. Unlike a vehicle route where you are effectively onlydetermining a two-dimensional direction from point A to Point B, thefollower scope also determines a precise vector and range from itsposition to the position of the target. Since the follower scope alsohas a GPS/INS device, it uses the information concerning the calculatedvector to the target to direct the user to point the follower scope inalignment with the vector to the target.

Consider the following example: Assume that the follower scopedetermines that the device user is presently looking due west (270degrees) in the horizontal plane and the vector to the target is duenorth (0 degrees). The follower scope would display a right arrow orotherwise indicate that a clockwise rotation is required and would stopthe user (via displayed or verbal cues) at the point when the user ispointed at 0 degrees. At that point, the follower scope would determinethe vector in the vertical plane. For example, if the follower scope islevel but the vector to the target is 10 degrees lower, the followerscope would direct the user to lower the angle of the follower scopeuntil it matches the vector to the target in the vertical plane. Theabove example assumes that the user would be directed to the targetfirst in the horizontal plane and then in the vertical plane. However,it is possible to simultaneously direct the follower scope in both thehorizontal and vertical plan by simultaneously displaying both a rightarrow and down arrow. And, because of the GPS/INS device, the followerscope always knows its orientation and direction using GPS compassing.

E. Infrared Sensor/Heat Signature

In addition to a normal optical mode embodiments described above, analternative embodiment of the scopes incorporate a forward-lookinginfrared sensor to detect heat signatures of targets. Using therangefinder, the system detects the location of the target correspondingto the selected heat signature and then in addition to or instead oftransmitting an image of the target of interest, the system transmitsthe heat signature.

F. Non-Visual Displays

Although the preferred embodiment transmits the image and/or heatsignature to the other devices in the system, at least a portion of thedevices may not have visual displays. In that case, the follower scopemay rely simply on directional arrows or other indicia to direct theuser of the follower scope to the target.

G. Audio Prompts

In lieu of directional arrows or other indicia to direct the followerscope, a connection between the follower scope and a pair of headphones,connected wired or wirelessly such as by Bluetooth, may be used whichdirects the use to move the device (e.g., up, down, left, right).

H. Direct Use of Range Information

In the embodiments described above, range information from therangefinder is not used for identifying the target at the followerscope. Since optical scopes and binoculars focus for variable distances,the guidance to target information may also include indicia to allow theuser to know the correct distance to look at or focus on. In the audioembodiment, commands may be provided to focus nearer or further, lookcloser, or the like. Stated another way, the user is already lookingalong a vector calculated based on the known target location and theknown location of the follower scope. The rangefinder can be used to getan idea of whether you are too far or too close to the target. Forexample, the target may be one mile away, but the user is currentlylooking 1.5 miles away.

I. Target Marking

The lead scope may incorporate cross-hairs or other target selectionindicia such as a reticle to mark the target. Once marked, therangefinder detects the distance to the target and the system determinesthe coordinates of the target and notifies the follower scopes of thetarget position as described above or communicates with an availablenetwork server to store the coordinates of the target.

J. Trigger Switch

In a rifle or gun application, the lead scope may incorporate the switchto send the information to follower scopes into a sensor on or adjacentto the trigger.

K. Overlay for Display

A more complex follower scope may include a higher resolution displayand utilize augmented reality techniques to overlay visual informationreceived from the lead scope and indicia directing the follower scope tothe target onto an optical field-of-view of the follower scope. Anoverlay may be implemented by a heads-up display or equivalent or byswitching to a complete digital display.

L. Target Image Capture

The image of the target may be captured in a manner substantiallyidentical to a variety of techniques used in digital cameras. Forexample, at the point in time when the user of the lead scope designatesthe target, a mirror may fold down and direct the image to an imagesensor similar to the operation of a digital SLR. The lead scope mayalso operate similar to a mirrorless or compact camera which does notuse a mirror.

M. Adjustments for Hand Movements

Position movement of the lead scope due to hand movements of the device(e.g., rifle/gun, binoculars) by the user may introduce instability tothe system. To address this issue, a touchpad or other pointing devicemay be mounted on the device and used to move the cross-hairs or othertarget indicia over the target. Once the target is tagged, the range isdetermined based on the range to the center of the cross-hairs using therangefinder. In some cases, and depending on the range findingtechnology used, it may be necessary to mechanically redirect therangefinder to point at the target using linear or other silent motorswhich would make minimal noise. Once the range is determined, the targetposition calculation is performed and adjusted for the offset betweenthe orientation of the lead scope and the offset to the orientationdetermined based on the amount that the cross-hairs have been movedoff-center.

N. Terrain Obstructions

In some cases, terrain features (e.g. hills, mountains) may be on thepath of the vector between the follower scope and the target. Forexample, if the lead scope is one mile due north of the target and thefollower scope is two miles due south, there could be a hill between thefollower scope and the target. Detailed topographic maps andnavigational tools are readily available. For example, software productssuch as Terrain Navigator Pro, commercially available from Trimble®subsidiary MyTopo™, Billings, Mont., provides detailed topographicalmaps of the entire U.S. and Canada and incorporates U.S. Geologicalsurvey maps at various scales. Using conventional GPS routing techniquesknown to those skilled in the art, either a computer in the lead scopeor a computer in an intelligent node in the network of connected scopescan overlay the vector between the follower scope and the target onto atopographical map of the area and determine if the vector passes througha terrain feature that would make it impossible for the follower scopeto see the target. If an obstruction is present, an indicia that thetarget is blocked from view may be presented to the user of the followerscope. In some embodiments, using the data from the topographical mapsand the location of the target and follower scope, the follower scopemay direct the user to move to another position, preferably the closestposition, where it would have an unobstructed view of the target.

The computer in the lead scope or the computer in an intelligent node inthe network of connected scopes outputs at least one of theseinformation items (i.e., an indicia for display by the second scope thatthe presumed target is blocked from view, and electronically generatedindicators for use by the second scope to prompt the operator of thesecond scope to move to another position that allows for an unobstructedview of the presumed target) when a determination is made that thevector passes through a terrain feature that would prevent the secondscope from viewing the presumed target.

O. Multiple Scopes Acting as Lead Scope

In the second embodiment, there may be situations where multiple scopessend targets at the same time. In the second embodiment, each scope hasthe capability to be a lead scope or follower scope at any given time,thus creating the possibility that multiple scopes may be sendingposition information associated with different targets simultaneously.In embodiments where scopes can receive an image of the targettransmitted by the lead scope, multiple target images could be displayedin a list and using selector buttons, a pointing device, or by trackingthe eye and determining a focus point, the target of interest could beselected by the follower scope and thereafter the follower scope wouldbe directed to the target as previously described. If the follower scopedid not have the capability to display the target images received frommultiple lead scopes, the user of the follower scope would be presentedwith a list of available targets and associated annotating information,such as distance to target, time of creation, or originating scope, andhave the ability to select a target of interest through the use ofselector buttons, a pointing device, or eye tracking. If the followerscope did not have the capability to present the user the list oftargets, the processor would select the target based on predeterminedcriteria or an algorithm which would use various factors to select thebest target. These factors could include nearest target, target withleast error rate, target matched by the IAMS to a preferred target typesuch as a particular animal or person identified by facial recognition.

In embodiments where scopes can present digital overlays, the followerscope could support the simultaneous tracking of multiple targets ofinterest. Instead of selecting a single target of interest from a listof available targets, the user of a follower scope would have theability to toggle each available target as shown or hidden. If anavailable target is set to show, indicia would be added to the followerscope overlay, annotated with a label indicating which target ofinterest it is guiding towards.

In some embodiments, it may be unclear if a scope is sendingconfirmation that it has identified and pointed at a target previouslyselected by a lead scope or acting as a lead scope and sending a newtarget. To eliminate this issue, a user interface may be included toallow the user of the scope to indicate whether it is sending positioninformation associated with a new target or confirmation that it hasseen a target that was previously designated by a different target.Alternatively, if images are transmitted with the position data and thesystem includes an IAMS, the IAMS could compare the images of thetargets and determine whether to treat the received position data asassociated with a previously designated target or a new target.

It is also possible that the user of a scope could make a mistake andimproperly indicate that it has selected a target previously designatedby a lead scope when in fact the scope is actually designating adifferent target. This could occur for a variety of reasons with oneexample being the same type of animal being within the error box.Ideally, when the target is designated by a scope when another targethas previously been designated by a lead scope, the IAMS would have thecapability of comparing the two images and determining that the targetimages have a low probability of being the same target and the thatscope is acting as a lead scope and sending data associated with a newtarget.

P. Game Mode

The network-connected scopes may be used to play a game with scoringmaintained by any one of the scopes or a network server. The game mayoperate over a fixed time interval. In one embodiment, the lead scopesets the target and each follower scope searches for the target. Pointsare awarded based on the order in which the follower scopes identify thetarget and/or the amount of time it takes for the follower scope to findthe target. A maximum amount of time is provided for the follower scopesto find the target at which point the round ends. Either sequentially orrandomly, a new lead scope is then designated to find a target and thenext round is played. The winner of the game is the scope with themaximum points at the conclusion of the preset time for the game.Alternatively, the game ends when a target score is achieved and theplayers are ranked based on their points.

Q. Automatic Target Detection

The IAMS can be used to support the operator of a lead scope byidentifying potential targets within the current field-of-view throughobject classification. Prior art processes exist to analyze image framesand identify objects in the image frame. For example, the GOOGLE® CloudVision API provides image analytics capabilities that allowsapplications to see and understand the content within the images. Theservice enables customers to detect a broad set of entities within animage from everyday objects (e.g., “sailboat”, “lion”, “Eiffel Tower”)to faces and product logos. Software applications of this type may beused for identifying potential targets within the current field-of-viewthrough object classification.

Using an IAMS-enabled lead scope having object classificationfunctionality, the operator can select the type of target they arelooking for from a preset list (e.g. car, person, deer), at which pointan image is captured from the lead scope and the IAMS highlights anyobjects within the view that match the specified object type, such aswith a bounding box or highlighted image segment. The lead scope canthen be pointed at one of the highlighted potential targets andactivated to designate the target.

In an alternative embodiment, the image processing can be continuous,such that as the lead scope is moved around, any objects that are foundto match the specified object type are highlighted.

In another embodiment, the automatic target detection is extended to oneor more follower scopes using features described in the image simulationand display of section C above. Consider the following example:

1. Automatic target detection is performed using the lead scope asdescribed above.

2. Using the process described in section C above, the IAMS calculateshow the target image should appear based on the location of a specificfollower scope with respect to the lead scope. The appearance factors inthe angle (e.g., same angle (head on), rotated +/− 90 degrees (left orright side view), rotated 180 degrees (butt view)) and distance (e.g.,same, bigger, or smaller in size, depending upon distance to thetarget).

3. An image is captured from the field-of-view of the follower scope andautomated pattern identification is performed to determine if theexpected target image from the lead scope, as it was calculated toappear by the follower scope, is actually in the field-of-view of thefollower scope. For example, if a deer is supposed to appear rotated +90degrees, a deer that is facing the follower scope head on, as determinedfrom the automated pattern recognition, would not likely be the correcttarget. However, if the deer is supposed to appear rotated +90 degrees,and a deer is determined to be in the field-of-view of the followerscope and is also determined to be rotated +90 degrees, as determinedfrom the automated pattern recognition, the deer is likely to be thecorrect target.

4. If the expected target image is in the field-of-view of the followerscope, a similar type of bounding box or highlighted image segmentappears in the follower scope, and appropriate prompts are provided tothe operator of the follower scope to re-position the follower scopefrom its current target position towards the target image in thebounding box or highlighted image segment.

FIG. 5 shows a sample preset list that may be displayed on a display ofscope. In this example, the listed objects include a human, a deer and avehicle. The operator of the scope has selected “deer.” Assume that thefield-of-view of the scope is analyzed for object detection and the onlyobject appearing in the field-of-view is a single deer at approximatelythe 1:00 o'clock position. This would result in a field-of-view similarto that shown in FIG. 4C with corresponding instructions to prompt theoperator of the scope to move the scope from its current target positionto the target position of the deer.

R. Focal Length of Scopes

In the embodiments described above, it is presumed that the scopes allhave similar focal lengths. However, if the scopes have different focallengths, the IAMS must make an appropriate adjustment when determiningthe size of the object being analyzed in the field-of-view and the sizeof the object displayed as an image in a follower scope. Preferably, theIAMS receives data regarding the focal lengths of the respective scopesso that any such adjustments can be made.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention may be implemented asmethods, of which examples have been provided. The acts performed aspart of the methods may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly,embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an orderdifferent than illustrated, which may include performing some actssimultaneously, even though such acts are shown as being sequentiallyperformed in illustrative embodiments.

S. Flowcharts

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for tracking a single presumed targetby a first scope and a second scope located remotely from one anotherand being moved by separate scope operators, wherein each of the scopesinclude a plurality of measurement devices configured to provide currenttarget position data. In one preferred embodiment the process isimplemented by at least the following steps:

600: Identify current target position data regarding a presumed targetthat is located by an operator of the first scope, using the pluralityof measurement devices in the first scope.

602: The first scope electronically communicates to the second scope thecurrent target position data regarding the presumed target identified bythe operator of the first scope.

604: The second scope identifies its current target position data of thesecond scope's current target position using its plurality ofmeasurement devices.

606: Calculate in a processor of the second scope, using its currenttarget position data and the current target position data received fromthe first scope, position movements that are required to move the secondscope from its current target position to the target position of thepresumed target identified by the first scope.608: The processor of the second scope outputs electronically generatedindicators for use by the second scope to prompt the operator of thesecond scope to make the position movements. The operator of the secondscope uses the indicators to re-position the scope from its currenttarget position so as to move towards the target position defined by thecurrent target position data received from the first scope.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for tracking a single presumed targetby a plurality of scopes located remotely from one another and beingmoved by separate scope operators, wherein each of the scopes include aplurality of measurement devices configured to provide current targetposition data, and each of the scopes are in electronic communicationwith a network server, and the current target position data have errorvalues. In one preferred embodiment the process is implemented by atleast the following steps:

700: Identify current target position data regarding a presumed targetthat is located by an operator of the first scope, using the pluralityof measurement devices in the first scope.

702: The first scope electronically communicates to the network serverthe current target position data regarding the presumed targetidentified by the operator of the first scope.

704. The network server communicates to the remaining scopes the currenttarget position data regarding the presumed target identified by theoperator of the first scope.

706: Each of the remaining scopes use the current target position dataregarding the presumed target identified by the operator of the firstscope to locate the presumed target.

708: Upon locating the presumed target, each of the remaining scopeselectronically communicate to the network server the current targetposition data regarding the presumed target, the current target positiondata being identified by the respective remaining scopes using theplurality of measurement devices in the respective remaining scopes.710: The network server calculates updated current target position dataupon receiving current target position data from any one of theremaining scopes by amalgamating the current target position data fromeach scope that located the presumed target, the updated current targetposition data having reduced error values compared to the error valuesof the current target position data identified by only the first scope.712: The network server electronically communicates the updated currenttarget position data regarding the presumed target to the remainingscopes that have not yet located the presumed target.714: The remaining scopes that have not yet located the presumed targetuse the updated current target position data, instead of any previouslyreceived current target position data, for locating the presumed target.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process for tracking a plurality of presumedtargets by a plurality of lead scopes and one or more follower scopeslocated remotely from one another and being moved by separate scopeoperators, wherein each of the scopes include a plurality of measurementdevices configured to provide current target position data, and each ofthe scopes are in electronic communication with a network server. In onepreferred embodiment the process is implemented by at least thefollowing steps:

800: The plurality of lead scopes identify current target position dataregarding a presumed target that is located by an operator of therespective lead scope, using the plurality of measurement devices in therespective lead scope.

802: The plurality of lead scopes electronically communicate to thenetwork server (i) the current target position data regarding thepresumed target identified by the operator of the respective lead scope,and (ii) information regarding each of the presumed targets.804: The network server communicates to the one or more follower scopes(i) the current target position data regarding the presumed targetsidentified by the operators of the lead scopes, and (ii) the informationregarding each of the presumed targets.806: Each of the one or more follower scopes uses the informationregarding each of the presumed targets to electronically select one ofthe presumed targets of the lead scopes.808: Each of the one or more follower scopes locate the selectedpresumed target by (i) identifying its current target position data ofits current target position using its plurality of measurement devices,(ii) calculating, using its current target position data and the currenttarget position data of the selected presumed target position, movementsthat are required to move the follower scope from its current targetposition to the target position of the selected presumed target, and(iii) outputting electronically generated indicators for use by thefollower scope to prompt the operator of the follower scope to make theposition movements. The operator of the follower scope uses theindicators to re-position the follower scope from its current targetposition so as to move towards the target position defined by thecurrent target position data of the selected presumed target.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for tracking a presumed target usingscopes that are remotely located from each other, the presumed targethaving a target position, the system comprising: (a) a first scopeincluding: (i) a first plurality of measurement devices, and (ii) afirst processor configured to: (A) identify current target position dataregarding a presumed target that is located by the first scope, thecurrent target position data being identified using the plurality ofmeasurement devices in the first scope, and (B) electronicallycommunicate the current target position data regarding the presumedtarget identified by the first scope to a computer via an electronicnetwork; and (b) a second scope configured to be moved by a scopeoperator, the second scope including: (i) a second plurality ofmeasurement devices, and (ii) a second processor configured to: (A)identify current target position data of the second scope's currenttarget position using the second plurality of measurement devices in thesecond scope; (B) communicate with the computer via the electronicnetwork to receive the current target position data regarding thepresumed target identified by the first scope; (C) calculate, using itscurrent target position data and the current target position datareceived from the first scope, position movements that are required tomove the second scope from its current target position to the targetposition of the presumed target identified by the first scope, and (D)output electronically generated indicators for use by the scope operatorof the second scope to manually re-position the second scope from itscurrent target position to move towards the target position defined bythe current target position data of the presumed target identified bythe first scope.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising: (c) adrone, wherein the first scope is part of the drone.
 3. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the first processor is further configured to: (C)capture a digital image of the presumed target identified by the firstscope using a digital image sensor, and electronically communicate tothe computer via the electronic network: (I) the digital image of thepresumed target identified by the first scope, or (II) a simulated imageof the presumed target identified by the first scope, the simulatedimage being created using the digital image, and wherein the secondscope further includes: (iii) a display, and wherein the secondprocessor is further configured to: (E) electronically receive thedigital image of the presumed target identified by the operator of thefirst scope, or the simulated image of the presumed target identified bythe operator of the first scope, from the computer via the electronicnetwork, and (F) display on a display of the second scope the digitalimage of the presumed target identified by the operator of the firstscope, or the simulated image of the presumed target identified by theoperator of the first scope, wherein the displayed presumed target isused by the operator of the second scope to assist in moving towards thetarget position defined by the current target position data receivedfrom the first scope.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the firstprocessor is further configured to: (C) locate the presumed target by:(I) specifying an object type that is desired to be located as thepresumed target, (II) performing object classification on objects withina field-of-view of the first scope to identify any objects that matchthe specified object type, and (III) designating an identified objectthat matches the specified object type as being the presumed target. 5.The system of claim 1 wherein the second scope further includes: (iii)an output device integrated into the second scope for communicating theelectronically generated indicators to the scope operator.
 6. The systemof claim 1 further comprising: (c) a standalone output device incommunication with the second scope for communicating the electronicallygenerated indicators to the scope operator.
 7. A scope configured to bea lead scope or a follower scope, the scope comprising: (a) a pluralityof measurement devices configured to collect data that is necessary toidentify current target position data for a presumed target that islocated by the scope, wherein the presumed target has a target position;(b) a network interface configured to: (i) electronically communicatecurrent target position data of the presumed target identified by thescope to an electronic network for sending via the electronic network toa follower scope when the scope is configured to act as a lead scope,and (ii) receive via the electronic network current target position dataof a presumed target that was previously identified by a lead scope andcommunicated to the electronic network when the scope is configured toact as a follower scope; and (c) a processor, in communication with thenetwork interface and the plurality of measurement devices, configuredto: (i) calculate the current target position data of the scope from thedata collected by the plurality of measurement devices, and (ii)calculate, using the current target position data of the scope and thecurrent target position data received from the lead scope, positionmovements that are required to move the scope from its current targetposition to the target position of the presumed target identified by thelead scope when the scope is configured to act as a follower scope, andwherein the position movements are used to re-position the scope fromits current target position to move towards the target position of thepresumed target identified by the lead scope when the scope isconfigured to act as a follower scope.
 8. The scope of claim 7 whereinthe processor is further configured to: (iii) electronically generateindicators, using the position movements, for use by an operator of thescope to manually re-position the scope from its current target positionto move towards the target position of the presumed target identified bythe lead scope when the scope is configured to act as a follower scope.9. A drone comprising the scope of claim
 7. 10. The scope of claim 7further comprising: (d) a user interface for allowing a user of thescope to indicate whether the scope is acting as a lead scope or afollower scope.
 11. The scope of claim 7 wherein the processor isfurther configured to: (iii) capture a digital image of the presumedtarget identified by the scope using a digital image sensor, wherein thedigital image is a human face, (iv) electronically communicate thedigital image, via the network interface and the electronic network, toa remote database that is configured to perform facial recognition usingthe digital image, and provide additional information regarding a personwhose human face matches an entry in the remote database, and (v)electronically receive the additional information from the database, viathe network interface and the electronic network, regarding the personwho matches the digital image, wherein the scope is thereby providedwith the additional information about the presumed target.